Obama’s Budget: How Would It Impact Trails?

Yesterday, President Obama proposed a budget that would keep funding for core transportation programs even with the levels authorized in MAP-21, while adding $50 billion for immediate funding of transportation projects in key areas. The proposal also takes aim at some non-DOT programs of interest to the trail and active transportation constituencies.

The President's budget cuts funding for National Heritage Areas by about 50 percent. These scenic areas house many nationally significant trails. The President also proposes to eliminate certain programs for preventive health initiatives. Meanwhile, the proposal restores funding for the urban parks program that has supported the development of many urban trails.

Rarely does the final budget as agreed upon by the President and the Congress closely resemble the President's proposed budget. RTC will continue to monitor the budget negotiations and work to protect funding for the trail and active transportation community.